Everton make easy work of Cheltenham

, 7 January, 39comments  |  Jump to most recent
Cheltenham Town 1 - 5 Everton
Everton despatched League Two Cheltenham with a professional and mostly clinical performance to cruise into the Fourth Round. Jelavic turned in the first after 12 minutes to set them on their way before Baines' penalty doubled the lead. Two excellent goals followed, first from Osman and then Coleman, with Penn scoring a consolation for the hosts in between, while Fellaini side-footed Anichebe's centre home late on to cap off the night.

Match Summary

With the two teams feeling each other out in the early stages, Marouane Fellaini had the first crack at goal, firing a snapshot wide from 25 yards.

Carter had the home side's first chance from a very promising opening but Tim Howard was grateful to see him scuff his effort wide.

Bryan Oviedo, starting in place of Steven Pienaar then had a weak shot from the edge of the box but the Costa Rican was involved almost immediately afterwards for the opening goal.

His backheel on the 18 yard line found Fellaini and though the Belgian curled an elegant shot off the face of the post, Nikica Jelavic was on hand to turn the rebound home.

The Croatian might have doubled his tally three minutes later but half-volleyed Fellaini's knockdown wide from 12 yards.

Far from over-awed, though, the League Two side tested Howard for the first time with 17 minutes on the clock but the American got down low to make a comfortable save from Carter.

A foul on Anichebe in Leighton Baines territory a minute later offered the left-back a chance to repeat his heroics on Tyneside last week but the 'keeper palmed away his more finessed effort.

The ball stayed alive for Everton, though, and when Bennett climbed all over Fellaini in the box, referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot. Baines stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it into the corner.

Everton had a grip on the tie now but their patient probing didn't yield another shot at goal until the half-hour mark when Fellaini swept one a couple of yards wide.

Cheltenham, meanwhile, posed their biggest threat from set-pieces but back-to-back corners in the 33rd minute yielded nothing but a foul on Howard as he tried to punch the ball clear from his six-yard line.

And when Baines tripped McGlashan as he tried to power his way in from the right flank, Jelavic had to head clear the ensuing free kick from Jones. Panic in the Everton area from the resulting throw-in set up a chance for McGlashan but he side-footed over the bar.

Back at the other end, Fellaini glanced a stooping header wide of the far post from Coleman's cross from the right five minutes before the break.

And Baines proved too quick for McGlashan and the Cheltenham winger scythed him down but referee Friend kept his cards in his pocket for what would ordinarily be a yellow card offence. The Blues' left back's free kick from the left touchline was too low, though, and was headed away to safety from the home side's point of view.

The second period began in familiar fashion to how the first had ended and Anichebe sliced the first shot of the half well wide after space opened up in front of him 25 yards from goal.

Osman, though, lit up the evening with a lovely goal, taking Baines' cut-back before jinking calmly around a defender and tucking it under the 'keeper to make it 3-0.

Howard's hopes of keeping a clean sheet were dashed within only a couple of minutes, however, when Penn was found on the left side of the Everton area and he smashed it past the American 'keeper to make it 3-1 with just five minutes played in the second half.

Everton resumed their offensive and Osman saw a deflected half-volley easily caught by Brown but the 'keeper could do nothing to prevent number four.

Anichebe clipped the ball in from the right wing to meet Coleman's run and the Irishman dinked it over Brown with a deft touch with 57 minutes gone.

Moyes felt comfortable enough with a little over an hour gone to make his first change, removing Baines and putting Magaye Gueye on the left wing and dropping Oviedo back to left back.

Steven Naismith followed from the bench five minutes later replacing Osman.

Cheltenham's hoped to make a game of it and substitute Taylor smashed a half-volley high and wide, Bennett steered a towering header past the far post from a tempting cross and Penn warmed Howard's palms with a 25-yard drive.

Hopes that Ross Barkley would get an outing were left unfulfilled 10 minutes from time when Thomas Hitzlsperger replaced Jelavic as the last Everton change of the night.

Neither Gueye nor Naismith did much to press their case for a permanent place in the starting XI but the Scot did pop up in front of goal a few minutes from time to latch into Coleman's cut-back but he could only shoot straight at Brown.

The fifth Everton goal did arrive in the last minute of the 90, though, when Anichebe raced down the left channel and centred perfectly for Fellaini to side-foot home with aplomb.

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Reader Comments (39)

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Peter Cummings
7 Posted 07/01/2013 at 18:30:47
On paper this should be 'no contest' so hope we don't approach it as if it was, we all know what a leveller the greatest cup competition in the world is, including the EU versions, so lets hope for a good result/game and no 'controversial' decisions.
Tony Twist
11 Posted 07/01/2013 at 19:06:23
I hope Victor is up front not on the wing. Looks like Moyes is after some goals, let's hope Jelly gets a load before half-time and can then sit out the second half so he is not knackered for the next game. I hope Victor gets a goal or two. We never have two forwards scoring freely at the same time. COYB
Bjørn-Ivar Pedersen
14 Posted 07/01/2013 at 21:42:02
Oh boy what a boring game....but at least Anichebe showed us that he in fact do know how to play well. Let's hope we'll see Sunderland next up in the cup.
Sam Hoare
15 Posted 07/01/2013 at 21:40:58
Thought Coleman looked very classy. Oviedo and anichebe also played well. Even in the time they had Naismith and gueye looked a league below.
Andy Meighan
16 Posted 07/01/2013 at 21:41:51
What I thought would be a difficult night turned into a performance as comfortable as the slippers on my ageing feet. Five different scorers proving we're not reliant on any one man, a thoroughly professional performance, and as easy as it gets. The only negative: no clean sheet again. And to me the likes of Gueye and Naismith just don't cut it — sorry to piss on the chips but that's just my opinion
Kris Boner
17 Posted 07/01/2013 at 21:50:47
Any thoughts that Barkley didn't get a run out as he is about to go back on loan?
Barry Rathbone
18 Posted 07/01/2013 at 21:52:44
Played well tonight a decent team picked and only 3rd gear needed to get 5 goals with no injuries or suspensions accrued.

More of the same in the next round Mr Moyes - let's win the thing this year.

Anthony Jaras
19 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:03:53
Anichebe, Osman and Coleman were outstanding tonight.

Afraid to add a negative on such a great scoreline but as has been said, Gueye and Naismith looked amateur, even against a poor side.

Onwards and upwards, Sunderland (I reckon) here we come!!

Danny Broderick
20 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:02:08
Didn't see the game, but I'm a bit surprised, once we were 4-1 up, Moyes didn't give Duffy,Velios and Barkley a run out. I would have thought this would have been an ideal time to give them a run out. Can't see when any of them will play this season if he won't put them on against Cheltenham. Did we learn anything we didn't already know about Naismith, Gueye and Hitzlsperger?
Michael Kenrick
21 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:15:27
Assuming Moyes is going to send Barkley back out on loan... and assuming that would be with Sheffield Wednesday, and assuming Everton would allow him to be used by them in the Cup, and assuming that's what they would want too... then he may not have been picked tonight so as to prevent him from becoming cup-tied and thus ineligible to play for them.

[See how my mind works!]

But then what if we need him badly a bit further down the road to Wembley?!?

Tony Twist
22 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:17:31
Barkley really needs to go out on loan, Moyes aint doing the lad any good. Send him off to Crystal Palace, Holloway will make him into something special.
Ian Bennett
23 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:17:43
Everton would just say no to him playing in the cup, wouldn't they?
Roman Sidey
25 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:24:50
That's the only "logic" I can think of, Michael.
Denis Richardson
26 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:29:37
Comfortable result at the end of the day and some good performances from especially Osman, Coleman and Fellaini I thought. Thought Anichebe had an ok game as opposed to be fantastic, as some others have mentioned, can hardly remember him touching the ball in the first half, did really well though for the last goal.

Was disappointed not to see the 'kids' get a run out. If the likes of Vellios, Duffy and Barkley cannot get a run out against a league two side (especially when we're 3 goals up), then it begs the question if they are ever going to get a chance or are they simply there as back up and no more - doesn't look very hopeful on that front. Gueye is garbage, really don't know why we bother with him and Naismith is not much better although maybe he's still settling in (hope so anyway).

In the next round, job done for the night.

Anthony Lamb
27 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:36:18
In the end, a good professional performance and all credit to Moyes for being one of the few (only?) Premier League managers to at last respect the competition and the opposition – and learn from past mistakes? – and play almost a full first eleven.

Coleman looked fit and confident and his goal was very special. But what on earth are Everton going to do saddled as they are with players such as Naismith and Gueye? They are truly so inept it is beyond words.

Jonny Flynn
28 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:37:56
A perfect cup night. Easy win, no injuries. They would do more in training. Swansea are out Wednesday night and the following Wednesday so it should be good time to play them. 1 or 2 signings in January and let's kick on. Coleman and Oviedo were very good tonight. Keep it up, lads.
Peter Cummings
29 Posted 07/01/2013 at 22:50:18
No contest, no controversy, no complaints from either boss. I agree, after the 4th goal, we should have used the kids also.

Gueye not good enough, Naismith ditto, Ossie, Coleman excellent, Jeli still off the pace, Felli settling back nicely. Good result.
Clive Lewis
30 Posted 07/01/2013 at 23:05:11
Good to see Cheltenham play football instead of hoofball. Respect to Cheltenham fans, and your goal was real class.

Well played tonight Everton a real proffessional job was done and sends a message out that the FA cup is important.

Jamie Barlow
31 Posted 07/01/2013 at 23:08:26
Anichebe did well for the Osman goal, the Fellaini goal and played the ball of the match for Colemans goal.

I thought he had a good game.

Drew O'Neall
32 Posted 07/01/2013 at 23:02:58
I was a bit surprised Barkley didn't get a run but I did think the pitch was sticky and seemed to preclude our flowing football.

Some of our established players were getting frustrated and Barkley may have given a performance which, given he may not have a chance to pull on a shirt for another month, might have demoralised him.

In retrospect I have to presume the cup-tied explanation is the most accurate one however that doesn't explain why Duffy or Vellios weren't given games.

Gerry Quinn
33 Posted 07/01/2013 at 23:36:49
First time ever that both full backs have scored for Everton in same match.
Steve Cotton
34 Posted 07/01/2013 at 23:35:59
Just a few points from tonight's game:

Distin was a rock and my MotM.
Oviedo looked twice the player when he came back to left back.
Naismith and Gueye need shipping out, they wouldn't even make the LFC team.
Jelavic needs to stop falling over ever time he is challenged.
Pienaar's creativity was missed but we still looked good.
Jags played well too.
Coleman, Osman and Big Vic also played really well.
And no-one had to resort to cheating to get a goal...
Colin Wainwright
35 Posted 07/01/2013 at 23:51:26
Played well. Done the job. 'Nuff said.
Steven Telford
36 Posted 08/01/2013 at 00:01:40
It's a bit worrying to hear that Baines played with an injury........

Surely this would have been perfect game to rest him?

Dave White
37 Posted 08/01/2013 at 00:32:12
Clear that Moyes learned his lesson with the Leeds debacle!
Christopher Kelly
38 Posted 08/01/2013 at 00:54:29
I still would rather rest Baines than potentially injure him for a 3rd round FA Cup match. I understand the leeds debacle but he is the best LB in the world right now. That might just be me but the risk/reward doesn't seem worth it IMO
Si Cooper
39 Posted 08/01/2013 at 02:05:19
Denis (#161) - funnily enough I would totally agree with you IF you switched Osman's and Anichebe's names around in your post.

Ossie was okay, classy footwork at times and took his goal really well, but didn't run things as much as I would have expected and wasted decent possession far more than usual. Victor worked hard for 90 minutes and was instrumental in 3 goals, with two top quality passes for the last two.

A real transformation, but as the manager said he now has to do it regularly and cement a place if possible.

Si Cooper
40 Posted 08/01/2013 at 02:14:47
Bainesy didn't look to be suffering too much whilst he was on the pitch, and with Pienaar rested I guess the manager thought he needed his experience / quality to negate their right-side threat.

I would guess his injury is worrying / bad because it is of the chronic type and unlikely to clear up without a lengthy rest, and may get worse. Another player who may have to be nursed through the rest of the season.

Why rest Pienaar instead of Baines? Maybe Pienaar has an acute injury that will really benefit from missing tonight's game. Logically that, or he has personal reasons for missing the game.

Anto Byrne
41 Posted 08/01/2013 at 04:35:02
I thought the two keepers were on a par with each other even though one conceded five. Their goal was the best of the six, nice play and well finished.

They had a couple of really good players, their winger shouldn't be playing in League Two. He gave Baines a torrid time.

I was impressed with Coleman and his goal and I liked the way big Vic held the ball up and rarely gave the ball away cheaply.

Overall, it was a game we should have won without too much trouble and that's how it panned out. I don't think we will see Barkley in a blue shirt again this season; the sooner he is farmed out on loan, the better.

Can't make a call on Naismith, although his fitness is improving, so maybe his game will. I think he can still do a job and perhaps in the Cahill role? Can't see Moyes playing him if he didn't see something in his game.

James Morgan
42 Posted 08/01/2013 at 09:20:50
Fair play, we got the result we should have got with the team we put out. It would've been nice to see the likes of Barkley and Duffy etc given 30/40 minutes but we know Moyes's reluctance to give youngsters a go, but that's a different story.

I tell you what does grate me though, some Evertonians' small-minded mentality. A caller on talkSPORT this morning telling Brazil that "it doesn't matter if we finish top 4 or win the FA Cup, as long as we finish above that lot." — Winds me up no end! Stop obsessing with that shower and and concentrate on our team, it's that kind of supporter that makes us look like "plucky little Everton" FFS!

Mark Taylor
44 Posted 08/01/2013 at 09:46:32
I think playing Baines with an injury is too much of an over-reaction to the Leeds game. He is essential to have any chance of CL. What is Oviedo for if not to provide cover and he is not going to get less daunting opposition than this for the rest of the season.

Their right winger was quick but one thing Oviedo seems to have plenty of, is pace.

Otherwise all very comfortable, as you would hope with such a low-risk team put out. Agree with others that Barkley might as well go out on loan, we'd need a lot of injuries before he would figure as it stands; there look to be 4-5 central midfielders ahead of him and 2-3 right sided midfielders too.

Darren Alexander
45 Posted 08/01/2013 at 11:03:25
Nice to get such a comfortable win... I was surprised with the side Moyes played, as I did think Baines would have been rested given his injury and Oviedo seems to be a fine deputy at LB; Osman could also have been left out and Hitz given a game.

Can't complain about the result but I would have liked to have seen Vellios, Duffy and Barkley used as the 3 subs — half-an-hour or so for these players for whom first team action has been rare; Naismith has seen plenty of games this season so either play him from the start or don't bother.

But all said it's exactly the sort of result we should be getting... let's try to transfer at least some of this approach to the PL and try to make sure we don't huff and puff our way to draws with lesser opposition — a trait that has really held us back this season, else we'd be firmly cemented in the top 3 or 4.

Still, a repeat of last year's tie with Sunderland beckons — let's hope for the same outcome this time around. COYB!

Anthony Maguire
47 Posted 08/01/2013 at 14:20:31
Great Result for us.

I wasn't too surprised to see that line-up to be perfectly honest; our squad isn't the biggest and Moyes is known to stick to his loyal servants!

Baines is showing his class yet again this season and it wouldn't be all too surprising to me with Evra not the player he once was (and the Butner lad doesn't look like anything great to me) and Ashley Cole not getting a new contract at Chelsea, we could see both sides attempt to nick Baines in the window, so perhaps Moyes is making more of this knock so as to ward off possible suitors for the finest left back in the league for the past 3 seasons (imo)....

Andy Crooks
48 Posted 08/01/2013 at 19:04:03
Congratulations to David Moyes and the players for treating the supporters and players of Chelteham plus the FA cup with respect.
Kevin Hudson
49 Posted 15/01/2013 at 21:32:27
With 15 minutes to go in their replay, it's looking like a trip to the Reebok is in store for the next round...
Ian Bennett
50 Posted 15/01/2013 at 21:37:37
Kev - 17,000 at the stadium of light, 2-0 down to Bolton, 6 subs - disgrace.
Patrick Murphy
51 Posted 15/01/2013 at 21:41:51
I don't understand a club of such great tradition and former winners of the cup don't bother to set out to win a home game following a rally from 2-0 down at Bolton. It won't be any easier at Bolton but at least it's a shorter trip for the fans. Although going to Sunderland in the replay last year was a highlight of the last decade or so.
Patrick Murphy
52 Posted 15/01/2013 at 21:46:27
I meant also to add that despite the number of replays played tonight nowhere could I find live coverage other than live radio streams on the net. It just shows unless the Sky 4 are involved the interest in the FA Cup is minimal.
James Martin
53 Posted 15/01/2013 at 21:55:46
Highlight of the last decade Patrick? Anyhow I seem to remember us slipping up against Reading at home after doing for Chelsea. Sunderland are showing that these things happen to everyone in football. On any given night for whatever reason the players are just not up for it and whatever they do doesn't seem to make any difference to the outcome of the match.

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